Look, we get it. January sucks. It’s cold and it’s dark. You’re skint and you’re probably on some sort of joyless health kick. But it’s not all rubbish, we swear! In fact, the first month of the year is when some of the best events and things to do come thundering back onto London’s cultural scene.
There’s loads of good, wholesome London fun to be found out and about this weekend. London’s subterranean celebration of new theatre, Vault Festival, is back after a long hiatus with over 500 theatre and comedy shows, from experimental plays about upskirting in South Korea to work-in-progress pieces from big-name standups like Luisa Omielan. The last ever International Mime Festival is bringing cutting-edge dance, puppetry and performance to the capital, and hit show ‘The Lehman Triology’ is back on the West End.
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Ready to get your sporran springing at a Burns Night ceilidh? London can provide that for you this weekend. Want to take in some five-star theatre? Check out Rob Madge’s ‘My Son’s a Queer, (But what Can You Do?)’. Need to fill your eyes with dazzling neon lights? Wander around Battersea Power Station’s winter light festival. Fancy watching thrilling short films. Head to the London Short Film Festival. Or, are you really hankering after spring? Look forward to brighter days at Chelsea Physic Garden’s snowdrop walk.
Still got some gaps in your diary? Make some time to check out London’s major art exhibitions this weekend like the National Gallery’s huge Lucian Freud retrospective, Tate Modern’s ambitious Paul Cézanne show, the Tate Modern’s ode to Polish artist Magdalena Abakanowicz’s towering fabric sculptures and the RA’s sprawling ‘Making Modernism’. Or, head to one of London’s best bars or restaurants and take in one of these lesser-known London attractions. January is also the best time of year to explore London on a budget and without the crowds. Plus, you can catch lots of the city’s best theatre, musicals, restaurants and bars offer discounted tickets and meal deals. So get ready to embrace 2023!
RECOMMENDED: Check out our guide to the best things to do in January.